Excellent care and treatment. I had a large stem growth shaved and removed and I was pleasantly surprised not to experience any pain or discomfort before or during the procedure. I was provided excellent post-op training so I would know how to care and clean my procedure wound appropriately. The doctor and staff answered all of my questions and concerns so I would know what to expect. I am so glad I chose Dr. Schlesinger to perform my biopsy.
Dr. Schlesinger is very knowledgeable in all aspects of dermatology and cosmetic procedures. He listens to your concerns, and thoroughly answers any question you may have in a manner that you can understand. He has always had my best interest in all of the procedures I have had to endure through my battle with skin cancer.
My primary care doc referred me to Dr Schlesinger's practice because of a blemish on my collarbone which changed in size rather quickly. I saw Dr Chris Buthorne at the Ashley Rd office for a body scan (checking for possible cancerous skin blemishes). He biopsied two spots, one between my eye and eyebrow in addition to the collarbone. The spot near my eye was tested to be basal cell cancerous. I was given an appointment for surgery by Dr Schlesinger at the Henry Techlinburg office. The biopsy sites healed quickly and well. I had the more major MOHS Surgery for removal of the cancerous site two days ago. My experience at The Dermatology & laser center of Charleston is top flight. Both Drs Schlesinger and Buthorne put me at ease. Most amazing to me is the absence of pain both during and after my surgeries. I appreciated the private waiting room provided between surgery, skin testing and stitching. They have a nice treatment environment with views of the low country which is comforting to me. Mentioning 'comforting' reminds me to thank the support staff; their ministrations and administrations are a significant factor in making the experience easy for me. Thanks, ladies and gentlemen!
I had the Coolsculpt mini for double chin done today, I was very nervous because I had read mixed reviews. I am 48 years old and have had this issue for a long time. This was my first of 2 treatments needed. When the suction was first put on I thought it was very uncomfortable and pushed on my throat so it felt like I could not breath good but of course I could, it was a very tight pulling and cold sensation the entire hour, a few times I wanted to stop it but I thought it was so uncomfortable feeling and on a pain level I would give it a 6, afterwards though when she rubbed it, it just felt odd and I have not had any pain since, it has an odd sensation but no pain, only if I push on it, I hope this is all the pain will be, the tech had told me around day 4 or so I would have itching or pin prick feelings as my nerves come back so I hope that is it, I will post an update, if it works then it will totally be worth it not to have surgery! Updated on 22 Mar 2016: under my chin is a little swollen but no real pain, just feels sore if I touch it, I hope this is as bad as it gets. Updated on 4 Apr 2016: It's only been 3 weeks, I don't see much difference Updated on 12 May 2016: I can tell a difference but I have been waiting to get my 2nd treatment because it has taken this long for the nerves under my chin to come back to normal, they had felt like that whole area was asleep or weird feeling. I will probably schedule my 2nd treatment for a couple of weeks, here is a photo. Updated on 14 Jul 2016: I had my 2nd session 2 days ago, it was looking better but after this session it is a little swollen so I will have to wait a few weeks again for all of the swelling to go down and I am hoping it will be looking a lot better. I think it was looking a lot better from the front view but the side still looks about the same right now to me. Updated on 14 Nov 2016: So it's been about 6 months since my 2 treatments, I really don't see a significant difference, my skin under my chin is saggier I guess from where it did work. My husband doesn't see any difference at all. I was planning on having injections for my nasal folds but I am skeptical of these procedures now. I have posted a new side pic so you can compare, I did lose about 10 pounds and that is the only difference I see Updated on 14 Nov 2016: I finally got a pic to upload, anyway I see some difference but not like I expected for 2 treatments, I really don't see much difference than after the 1st treatment. Updated on 22 Feb 2017: I think the cool sculpting is worth it even if it does leave saggy skin, mainly because I am older but I have an unexpected benefit which is I no longer snore like I used to, so removing that patch of fat has helped that problem also
I am writing this as I couldn't find many reviews on this procedure and think it may be helpful to others. Getting fillers in your face can be scary. As I age, I'm losing volume in my face, particularily around my eyes. I've tried using makeup, highlight powders, creams and lotions, all to no avail. I decided to splurge... Updated on 26 Apr 2015: Updated on 27 Apr 2015: Slight bruising, and yellow tint (from the old bruise). I was able to cover it with makeup today. The swelling is gone and I'm starting to really like it. Updated on 7 May 2015: I likely could have used another syringe...but it is expensive. My doctor said my troughs were pretty deep. He started on the right and I can tell it is slightly more full than the left...but I'm pretty sure I'm the only one who would notice. One other item to note. There is a numbing agent mixed in with the restalyne. It makes your eye feel weird...heavy, sensative to light. It does wear off quickly. Just don't panick! Updated on 14 May 2015: VERY happy with the dysport. I've had it under my eyes and crow's feet before and love it. With the filler, it's almost perfect. I think I could still use a bit more filler, but I think I'll wait a while before doing anything more. This pic is make-up free and unedited.
The Erbium:YAG laser can be very effective for the rejuvenation of the lower eyelid. Performed properly, the laser can safely improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Because of the high water absorption of the erbium light, some heat is generated and thus tightening of the skin occurs. There are different kinds of erbium lasers. The non-ablative type has a wavelength of about 1540-1550nm and is done as a series of 3-5 treatments with mild downtime of 2-4 days. The ablative erbium at 2940nm has a 7 day downtime period, however results are seen with one treatment. The other cause of lower eyelid problems is volume loss. Your physician may discuss the option of adding some filler along the bony rim below the eye to restore lost volume. This treatment blends the cheek to the eyelid better and can improve the apperance of this area. Be sure your physician is experienced in either technique. When using lasers on the eyelids, the eyes should ideally be protected with intraocular eye shields that fit under the lids and completely shield the eye from light. These treatments in combination with the best professional skin care for the eyelids can be very helpful in improving the appearance of the eyelids you describe.
A photofacial series using intense pulsed light (IPL) or a pulsed-dye laser (PDL) would be the most helpful here. In 4-6 sessions with essentially no downtime. IPL may be the best option as it works on three main targets: 1) Pigment (brown spots) - lifts them to the surface = less brown spots! 2) Opened blood vessels that make the skin look red - evens skin color and removes unsightly visible vessels 3) Water - the heat from the filtered light stimulates new collagen formation resulting in smoother, healthier appearing skin. The skin is also more resilient due to additional collagen. This combined with a solid professional skin care regimen with the four main components (retinoid, growth factor, topical antioxidant such as vitamin C, and a good sunscreen) should produce very nice results. Avoid excess sun exposure!
Melasma, or increased color deposits to areas of the face, responds best to a combination of: 1) Fractional laser resurfacing - non-ablative, where the energy is focused under the skin to break up the pigment color. A series of 5 or more treatments is usually required because the process takes time. The newer lasers, like the Lux1540 by Palomar have demonstrated good results and are tolerable. For those who mention that fractional resurfacing can make the melasma worse, I would like to mention that proper patient selection is important. Selecting patients that have a tan or darker skin, or who will not follow sun protection measures may see a worsening of the condition. Also, pre and post treatment with hydroquinone combination topicals helps. 2) Sun avoidance, sun protection and sunscreen. Melasma is triggered by visible light. Sunscreens block ultraviolet light. Even with good sunscreen and a window, sunlight can darken melasma, even if it has been treated. 3) Hydroquinone topicals, in combination with others like a glycolic acid and a retinoid (Retin-A or similar). Hydroquinone in concentrations up to 4% block the transfer of the pigment color from the cells that produce it to the cells that store it. By blocking this transfer, treatment results are better and the benefits are extended. Concentrations higher than 4% hydroquinone, especially when compounded can increase the risk of oochronosis, an untoward bluish discoloration of the skin and a known side effect of hydroquinone. 4) Maintenance therapies like various peels, microdermabrasion, topical antioxidants like Vitamin C and alternative non-hydroquinone pigment reduction products may also help, but they are likely to be less effective or best for maintenance. These are the most effective treatments. There are many others being marketed and these may help in combination with the above.
Fresh tattoos should not resist laser removal. It is recommended to wait at least 30 days after having a tattoo applied or after complete healing before starting the removal process.
